Hungerford travel to Essex for National League opener

HUNGERFORD Town will travel to East Thurrock United in the opening game of their Vanarama National League South campaign on August 6.It will be the battle of the play-off winners as the Essex side booked their place in national league football by beating Dulwich Hamlet 3-1 in the Ryman League final on May 2.At the same time, Bobby Wilkinson’s Hungerford side were beating Leamington Town 2-1 to clinch the Evostik Southern League play-off crown.After their opener against East Thurrock, Hungerford face two mouth-watering home games.First up at Bulpit Lane on Monday, August 8, are local rivals Oxford City.And the following Saturday National League South title favourites Ebbsfleet United will be in town. And Wilkinson can’t wait for the action to begin.With the big kick off less than a month away, Wilkinson said: “It doesn’t come much tougher than that.“We have East Thurrock, who are a very good side, then two tough home games. “But we are all looking forward to the challenge and it is getting real now.“There are no easy games at this level and we have to prepare right and be ready to go.”Hungerford’s pre-season has got off to a flying start with wins over Marlow FC (3-0) and Tadley Calleva (5-0).Against Tadley on Tuesday night, Town looked fit and sharp.And Wilkinson said: “I, and the rest of the management team, am working very hard to get these boys fit because if they are fit then they have a chance.“Thanks to everyone behind the scenes for all their hard work and to Keith Moss at Newbury for the use of their pitch.”Hungerford are back in action when they travel to face a Reading FC XI at Royals’ Hogwood Park training ground in Finchampstead. The match is a behind-closed-doors clash and no fans will be admitted.